Getting In: ADVICE FROM ART SCHOOL ADMISSIONS OFFICERS
By Sarah Good
hoosing to study visual or performing arts after
DEVELOPING YOUR SKILLS MATTERS
high school is not an easy road. In addition to all
Yes, you probably knew this one: How good you are at
the usual application requirements, you’ll have
painting, performing, or playing can make a difference.
to put your art up for inspection and dissection.
Though perfect technical skills are not necessarily required,
It is, without a doubt, nerve-wracking. And to
schools like to see that you have some abilities in your chosen
make matters worse, you can’t even know what admissions officers are really thinking.
field and that you are eager to get even better. At Laguna College of Art and Design, the admissions office
Or can you?
encourages students to include a personal sketchbook in their
We spoke with admissions professionals from arts
portfolio. The sketchbook lets decision-makers get a wide-
programs to get the inside scoop on what they are really
ranging idea of an applicant’s strengths and weaknesses, but
looking for when they evaluate potential students. So read
it also demonstrates the candidate’s willingness to hone his
on for a glimpse inside the thinking of the men and women
craft, said admissions director Chris Brown.
who will help decide your future.
“If you don’t apply what you learn in the classroom, outside
2021 TeenLife Guide to Your Future In Arts
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